The UK’s hotel industry has long been celebrated for its creativity, heritage, and innovation, and nowhere is this more visible than in hotel design. From boutique properties to luxury resorts, interior design and architecture play a crucial role in shaping guest experiences. Hotel design awards not only celebrate these achievements but also set benchmarks for excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
And winning a hotel design award is more than a trophy – it’s a powerful marketing tool, a credibility booster, and a driver of business growth. It validates creative choices, inspires the team, and draws attention from both guests and industry professionals alike.
Here, we explore some of the most prestigious awards and explain how hotels and designers can enter.
The Brit List Awards
Presented by Hotel Designs, The Brit List Awards are widely regarded as the UK’s leading recognition for talent in interior design, hotel architecture, and hospitality leadership. The awards span 13 categories, including Interior Designer of the Year, Architect of the Year, and Hotel of the Year. Celebrating both British and international talent, The Brit List Awards combine glamour with industry credibility.
In 2025, the ninth edition took place on 5th November at London’s Ministry of Sound under the bold theme ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side,’ drawing over 600 guests to celebrate standout achievements in design and hospitality.
Entries for the Brit List Awards 2026 will open in April, but you can register your interest here.
Independent Hotel Show Awards
The Independent Hotel Show Awards focus on innovation and aesthetic excellence in hotel design across the UK and Ireland. Their standout category, Best Hotel Design of the Year, recognises properties that have been created or significantly refurbished in the last two years and are currently open to guests.
These awards emphasise practical creativity – designs that not only look exceptional but also enhance the overall guest experience. They are particularly valuable for independent hotels seeking recognition in a highly competitive market.
Nominations for the 2026 Independent Hotel Show Awards aren’t currently open. Keep an eye on their website for details on how to enter.
Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence
While covering a broader range of hospitality categories, the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence celebrate outstanding hotels, spas, and resorts in the UK, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
The awards are highly respected internationally, providing hotels with global exposure and credibility. Categories span from Best Boutique Hotel to Best Spa, and winners are selected based on service quality, design, and overall guest experience. For UK properties, being recognised by Condé Nast Johansens signals excellence on both a national and international stage.
Nominations for the next set of Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence Awards are not yet open. Nominations will open next year, and this will be announced on their website.
NEWH UK Top ID
NEWH UK recognises the nation’s most creative and dedicated interior designers through its Top ID designation. This award highlights the contribution of interior designers who are transforming the hospitality landscape in the UK. Unlike project-focused awards, the Top ID celebrates the talent, innovation, and commitment of individuals within the design community, making it a prestigious accolade for designers seeking recognition among peers and industry leaders.
How to enter a hotel design award
If you’re thinking about nominating a hotel for a design award, then here are a few tips to consider before you enter:
- Keep updated with the relevant hotel websites, so you don’t miss the opportunity to nominate.
- Familiarise yourself with categories to ensure the hotel is nominated in the most suitable category.
- Check eligibility, confirming that the hotel being nominated meets the award criteria, including completion dates or operational status.
- Prepare your submission in advance to ensure you meet submission deadlines. You should look at including high-quality photography and floor plans, as well as polished content describing concepts, challenges and results.
Create an award-winning hotel
Winning or being shortlisted for a hotel design award can elevate a hotel’s reputation, attract guests, and increase exposure within the industry. And having the right refurbishment partner can make all the difference.
At IH Group, we are a team of fit-out and refurbishment specialists with more than 20 years of unrivalled experience supporting hotels across the UK and beyond. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or transforming an entire property ahead of an award submission, our team can help elevate your space to award-winning standards. Get in touch with IH Group today.
